The Early Learning Centre
The Early Learning Centre, usually shortened to ELC, sells toys and games for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. The range leans towards learning through play: sensory baby toys, wooden toys, puzzles, craft kits and dressing-up outfits. ELC belongs to the same group as The Entertainer, so its products turn up in Entertainer shops as well as on elc.co.uk.
No live The Early Learning Centre deals in the United Kingdom right now
We check daily — follow The Early Learning Centre to catch the next one. Store info and FAQs below.
More ways to save at The Early Learning Centre
- NHS discountEarly Learning Centre offers a 5% NHS discount via Health Service Discounts (Blue Light Card), making quality educational toys more accessible for healthcare workers.
- Military discountArmed forces members can enjoy exclusive discounts at Early Learning Centre through the Blue Light Card, supporting military families with great value on toys.
- Free delivery over £40Top your basket up past £40 and delivery costs nothing.
- Click & CollectSkip delivery fees by collecting in store.
- Gift cardsAvailable if you're buying for someone else.
Never miss a The Early Learning Centre deal
Follow The Early Learning Centre and its new codes, offers and price drops land in your feed. Save any deal to come back to it.
About The Early Learning Centre
What's on the shelves
Most of the range is built around early development. Babies get sensory toys designed around sight, sound and touch. Older children move on to role-play sets, construction toys, craft supplies and puzzles. There is also outdoor play equipment and a selection of books. ELC's own FAQ puts its main age band at birth to six years.
Delivery, collection and returns
Standard delivery is free on baskets over £40, and express delivery costs nothing once an order passes £75. Free click and collect runs through more than 5,000 pick-up points around the UK, including Entertainer shops. Returns are accepted for 30 days with proof of purchase, provided the toy is in new condition and still in its original packaging. The customer covers return postage, and exchanges are handled in store only, subject to stock.
Paying and extras
Checkout takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal and Klarna. Gift cards are sold too, which is handy for relatives who would rather let parents choose. NHS staff and armed forces members can save through the Blue Light Card scheme, though there is no student discount. ELC has its head office in Amersham and traces its history back to 1974.
Sustainability at The Early Learning Centre
ELC focuses on quality toys designed to last, reducing waste through durability. The brand carefully selects products to ensure safety and educational value.
Shop The Early Learning Centre by category
The Early Learning Centre quick facts
| Free delivery | On orders over £40 |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Free click and collect at 5,000+ locations. Free standard delivery over £40. Express delivery free over £75. Multiple delivery options available. |
| Returns | Return items within 30 days with valid proof of purchase. Products must be in new condition with original packaging. Exchanges available in-store only where stock permits. Customer pays return shipping. |
| Click & Collect | Yes |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Klarna |
| Gift cards | Yes |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Amersham, UK |
| Parent company | TEAL Group Holdings (The Entertainer) |
| Stores | Available at The Entertainer stores |
The Early Learning Centre contact
- Website
- elc.co.uk
- Phone
- 0330 135 9089
- Hours
- Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
The Early Learning Centre FAQs
How much do I need to spend for free delivery at ELC?
Standard delivery is free on orders over £40, and express delivery is free above £75. Smaller orders pay a delivery charge, or can use free click and collect instead.
Who pays to send an ELC return back?
The customer does. Items need to go back within 30 days, in new condition with original packaging and proof of purchase, and exchanges happen in store only.
Can I pay for ELC toys with Klarna?
Yes. Klarna sits alongside Visa, Mastercard, American Express and PayPal at checkout, and ELC gift cards can be bought too.
Where is ELC based?
The Early Learning Centre is based in Amersham and belongs to TEAL Group Holdings, the group that owns The Entertainer.
